Study Highlights Growth in Plastic Bag Recycling Efforts

A study released by Moore Recycling Associates, Sonoma, Calif., claims that more than 91 percent of the U.S. population has nearby facilities that accept plastic bags for recycling. Additionally, the report says that close to 75 percent of U.S. residents can recycle other types of flexible plastic wraps locally.

The study, titled Plastic Film and Bag Recycling Collection: National Reach Study, looked at flexible polyethylene film and found that more than 15,000 drop-off locations collect the material.

The study adds that despite the availability of collection points, consumers are not yet using this infrastructure to its full potential.

"Plastic bags and wraps are a valuable resource that should be recycled after use," says Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council. "We're thrilled that so many Americans have access to recycling and we look forward to working to increase consumer awareness, so we can recycle even more of this material."

Russell adds, "Education is the next critical step. Awareness and convenience are key to changing behavior, and we frequently see that when awareness meets convenience, consumers are very willing to recycle their plastics."

Earlier this year, Moore Recycling Associates released a study that found flexible plastics recycling increased by 50 percent during the last five years, reaching close to 1 billion pounds per year in the United States.

Consumers can search for drop-off locations for plastic bags at www.plasticbagrecycling.org.